At $13,405/yr net price, University of Wisconsin-Superior graduates earn $49,606/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,606/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,405 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,620 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,606/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,606/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,194/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,797/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,195/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,774/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,218/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Materials Moving, Other. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,041 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $41,565 | $41,481 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,056 | $19,333 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $22,036 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $37,671 | $23,611 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $21,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $34,230 | $22,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
44.1% of students at University of Wisconsin-Superior graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Wisconsin-Superior offers poor financial returns despite its low sticker price. With median earnings of just $49,606 ten years after graduation and a troubling 44% graduation rate, your investment faces significant risk of not paying off at all.
The school's specialized Transportation and Materials Moving program stands out as the only strong earner at $63,005, likely reflecting the region's shipping and logistics industry around Lake Superior. Accounting graduates earn a respectable $48,041, making it another viable option. However, most other programs deliver weak returns. Student Counseling graduates earn only $41,565 while carrying heavy debt loads of $41,481, creating a financially dangerous situation.
Your biggest risk here is not graduating. With retention rates below 71%, many students leave without a degree but with debt. The low graduation rate suggests academic support may be insufficient or students struggle to complete programs.
This school makes financial sense only if you need the specific Transportation program or want to stay in the Superior area for personal reasons. The low net price of $13,405 helps, but weak earning outcomes offset this advantage. You should strongly consider other Wisconsin public universities that offer better graduation rates and career outcomes.
If you do attend, focus on the Transportation or Accounting programs and take advantage of the relatively low debt levels. Avoid programs like Student Counseling where debt loads exceed reasonable earning potential. The school's limited financial aid reach means most students pay close to full price, so budget carefully for the full four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Wisconsin-Superior worth the cost?
With a low net price of $13,405 annually and median debt of $22,500, UW-Superior offers affordable access to higher education. However, the 44% graduation rate and $49,606 average earnings 10 years after enrollment suggest mixed value for the investment.
What are the best paying majors at University of Wisconsin-Superior?
Transportation and Materials Moving programs lead with $63,005 average earnings, while Accounting graduates earn around $48,041. Most other programs at UW-Superior produce earnings below $45,000, which may not justify the degree cost for some students.
How much debt do University of Wisconsin-Superior graduates have?
UW-Superior graduates carry a median debt of $22,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low sticker price helps keep borrowing reasonable, though the 44% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
What is the job market like for University of Wisconsin-Superior graduates?
UW-Superior graduates earn an average of $49,606 ten years after enrollment, below the national average for college graduates. The school's 95% acceptance rate and low graduation rate suggest it serves primarily as an access institution rather than a career advancement tool.